Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

Women of Unfailing Conviction

Virginia, 1864

Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love—whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor—ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day

Nicole Talbot’s life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she’s finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family’s legacy, she must risk all that she’s gained—her fresh start, her family’s trust, and her growing relationship with a new man—to unlock the secrets of the past.

From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould comes a thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God’s leading, makes the most of second chances, and find true love at last.

My review:

An incredible conclusion to a fantastic series!

This is part of a “true” series. To understand the contemporary story you have to read the series in order.

This book has dual time periods. Part of the story is set in 1864 Virginia. The other part is contemporary. I really like how the authors weave the stories in such a way that you flow back and forth between them smoothly.

I absolutely love the characters in this wonderful book! There is an amazing depth to them that really captured my interest. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the progression of life for the contemporary characters. Nicole shows remarkable growth since the last book.

In the historical story we are shown in great detail what life was like in Richmond, Virginia near the end of the Civil War. The constant struggle to get the food and other supples that were needed comes to life. It amazed me to read about how simple people developed courage and strength to keep on living and doing all that they could to live as they believed God wanted them to.

It was wonderful to see the four cousins come back together in the contemporary story. They worked together to sort out the details from the traumatic experience that they shared as children. Each one had grown and developed their own talents. All of their strengths had an opportunity to shine as they contributed to the final solution.

As with each of the previous books in this series I’m giving this amazing book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.

To wrap up this series I want to share some thoughts about the series as a whole. I connected so strongly with all of the Talbot family in each of the three books. The family heritage is so deep and beautifully presented. A part of me wishes that I were a Talbot. I would love to have all of these details about my family’s history available to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the different avenues of archiving the family story that were employed throughout this series. The fact that the family had a journal from the 1600s, letters from the 1700s and a well versed family historian who knew the stories from the Civil War to share was remarkable. The way that the authors were able to weave the historical storylines in with the contemporary was marvelous.

The ongoing mystery that carried over throughout the whole series was incredible. In each book a different present-day cousin was front and center with their personal interests and talents. The fact that each of them was able to move the mystery along and provide clues was great.

I would suggest that everyone who enjoys a well crafted story read this entire series.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

Dee Henderson pens another compelling cold case mystery.

Evie Blackwell’s reputation as a top investigator for the Illinois State Police has landed her an appointment to the governor’s new Missing Persons Task Force. This elite investigative team is launched with plenty of public fanfare. The governor has made this initiative a high priority, so they will have to produce results—and quickly.

Evie and her new partner, David Marshal, are assigned to a pair of unrelated cases in suburban Chicago, and while both involve persons now missing for several years, the cases couldn’t be more different. While Evie opens old wounds in a close-knit neighborhood to find a missing college student, David searches for a private investigator working for a high-powered client.

With a deep conviction that “justice for all” truly matters, Evie and David are unrelenting in their search for the truth. But Evie must also find answers to the questions that lie just beneath the surface in her personal life.

My review:

Two intricately woven mysteries!

I love the two main characters in this wonderful story. They are so well developed that I felt emotionally connected to them and the issues they were each dealing with in their personal lives. Their camaraderie as they worked their respective cases was incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that that they were able to discuss their belief in God and encourage each other in trusting Him.

The mysteries had me guessing all the way through the book. I was fascinated by all of the detail as to how a cold case would be worked. It was fun to see that both David and Evie had their own way of looking at it and they were both very successful in their chosen careers.

I have got to give this fantastic book a 5 star rating. I am definitely highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Monday, June 5, 2017

About the Book

Book: Amish Brides
Author: Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard
Genre: Amish
Release Date: May 30, 2017
JOSHUA’S BRIDEMolly JebberMadeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?

My Review

This is a very delightful collection of novellas!

I found one commonality among them. In each story I found someone wallowing in a negative emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how each author handled the need to work through the negativity and move on with life.

The Reluctant Groom

by Jennifer Beckstrand

The characters are incredibly well developed. When you talk about opposites attracting, Suvie Newswenger and Aaron Beachy definitely fit the bill. It was a joy to see what ideas Anna and Felty came up with to help in their matchmaking endeavors this time. I love Felty’s down to earth wisdom and how he lays it out at just the right time. This was a very humorous romance.

Joshua’s Bride

by Molly Jebber

The main characters, Madeline Lehman and Joshua Stutzman, are fantastic. They are both strong believers and steadfast in doing what they believe to be the right thing. They have enormous obstacles thrown in their path. They face them with their faith in God guiding them.

A Summer Wedding in Paradise

by Amy Lillard

Reba Schmucker is definitely an unusual Amish woman. I was caught up in her struggle with trying to figure out how to be more like others when she isn’t. The romance is sweet and helped along by the darling girls who adore their Aunt Reba. The shenanigans that they pulled were my favorite part of this story.

I was thoroughly entertained by all of these wonderful stories. I’m giving this marvelous collection a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.

I received a free eBook copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the Author

Molly Jebber’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times has given them a near excellent rating. She’s on RWA’s Honor Roll. She’s a speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, publishing, Amish lifestyle and traditions. She has received widespread media coverage, including live interviews, across the United States for her books and speaking engagements.

She’s just signed a new contract for four more Amish books! She loves interacting with her readers. She loves God, her husband, family and friends. She has a hard time saying no to cupcakes, swimming, nine holes of golf, and walks on the beach. Coconut, oatmeal, and onions, on the other hand, are not hard to say no to!

Guest Post from Molly Jebber

Do you remember picking out your bride’s dress? The cake? Food? Location? The invitations? Weddings are fun, no matter how simple or extravagant. The marked event fills your heart with joy sharing in the special day with the bride and groom. I remember the day I married Ed, my best friend and soulmate. We planned the details together, and we still talk about what a heartwarming memory it is for us. I’m sure if you and I met for a girl’s chat, we’d enjoy hearing each other’s account of when we exchanged vows with our sweethearts.Amish brides may not have the flowers, rings, and fancy food and cake, but they have their traditions and share in the excitement like we do. I enjoyed writing “Joshua’s Bride”. I hope you enjoy it to.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b3a7

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

No Safe Haven!

Arriving at her secluded cabin to find her brother missing, Olivia Kendricks follows his trail into the woods—until two shooters take aim at her. She only escapes when ex-detective Zachary Long, her brother’s friend—and Olivia’s first love—comes to her rescue. Now as they run for their lives in the snowbound wilderness, they must search for her brother while figuring out why someone wants them dead. And though Zach’s police force training may be what will save them, it’s also what once drove them apart when he gave Olivia up to chase his dream. In a freezing landscape as deadly as it is beautiful, they’ll have to let go of the past…and face down powerful men willing to kill to keep secrets buried.

This is a stand alone story. The main characters from the previous books do make an appearance but only in secondary roles.

The main characters are fantastic! The fact that their lives are very intertwined from years ago made for a great story. I was really interested in seeing how they would work through their individual wounds and move forward.

The danger they are in is palpable and really kept me reading. I was intrigued by the question of why the shooters were targeting them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book. I am highly recommending it and giving it a rating of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

About Me

I am in my late 50s. My husband Ted and I have been married for 38 years now. We met while we were both stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. My husband stayed in the service for almost 21 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. I was able to get out when I was pregnant with our first daughter so that I could stay home with her. We have 5 grown children. Our current count on grand children is 9.